29 Key Competencies & Indicators for Geoscience Applications

Category 1: Professionalism

1.1: Canadian-equivalent professional knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and statutory reporting requirements

This work example is intended to demonstrate your knowledge of Canadian-equivalent national, provincial, territorial, and municipal regulations, codes, and standards, as well as Indigenous knowledge, rights, and treaties. This includes local (Canadian) geoscience procedures and practices as applicable.

Note: This is a mandatory Canadian work environment competency. The minimum required level for this competency is 3.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• apply for licenses and permits
• undertake stakeholder consultations
• consider and incorporate Indigenous “local” knowledge, rights, and treaties in decision making
• use appropriate standards in decision making
• complete and file reports and notifications according to statutory and regulatory requirements
  

1.2: Practice within the bounds of personal expertise and limitations

This work example is intended to demonstrate your experience in the practice of geoscience within the bounds of personal expertise and limitations.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• undertake self-assessment to identify personal limits
• seek advice from professionals with more appropriate expertise
• refer clients to other professionals

1.3: Increase relevant knowledge, skills, and level of performance over time

This work example is intended to demonstrate your efforts to increase relevant knowledge skills and level of performance over time in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• attend conferences, workshops, or courses related to your area of practice
• undertake focused research or learning to address knowledge gaps
• obtain relevant specialty training or certification

1.4: Maintain constructive working relationships

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to understand and implement Canadian-equivalent business culture and practices.

Note: This is a mandatory Canadian work environment competency. The minimum required level for this competency is 3.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• undertake and apply equity, diversity, and inclusion principles
• provide and accept constructive feedback
• contribute to workplace conflict resolution

1.5: Apply ethical principles

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to apply principles of the regulator's code of ethics in the Canadian jurisdiction in which you are applying.

Note: This is a mandatory Canadian work environment competency. The minimum required level for this competency is 3.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• communicate the consequences of disregarding professional advice
• respond to the unethical behaviour of others
• identify and address conflicts of interest

1.6: Respond to obligations and responsibilities to the public, to the natural environment, to clients, and to employers

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to balance stakeholder needs with Canadian-equivalent professional geoscientist obligations.

Note: This is a mandatory Canadian work environment competency. The minimum required level for this competency is 3.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• undertake work activities in a manner that minimizes environmental impact
• make decisions consistent with client or employer needs that protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public
• employ the principles of risk management in project analysis
• provide accessible and appropriate information to address public concerns

1.7: Contribute to health and safety in the workplace

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to address the health and safety of your clients, your coworkers, the public, and yourself consistent with Canadian-equivalent regulations, codes, and standards.

Note: This is a mandatory Canadian work environment competency. The minimum required level for this competency is 3.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• proactively address workplace health and safety
• identify and address unsafe practices or hazardous situations
• contribute to the development of site-specific health and safety requirements

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Category 2: Scientific Methods

2.1: Apply scientific principles

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to apply scientific principles to the development of geoscience solutions.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• use mathematical and statistical principles to analyze data
• use principles of chemistry and physics to interpret data
• formulate, test, and evaluate hypotheses

2.2: Effectively utilize scientific literature

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to effectively utilize scientific literature in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• undertake a literature search
• critically analyze and incorporate published research
• identify and acknowledge relevant sources

2.3: Identify uncertainty and ambiguity in data and limits to knowledge

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to identify uncertainty and ambiguity in data and limits to knowledge in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• identify bias in data collection
• evaluate margin of error on results
• display uncertainty in analytical results or interpretation

2.4: Apply the principles of quality assurance and quality control (QA / QC)

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to apply the principles of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• follow established protocols in data collection or analysis
• review project outcomes relative to quality standards
• establish QA/QC standards
• follow established quality-management principles 

2.5: Undertake relevant investigation and due diligence

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to undertake relevant investigation and due diligence in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• research relevant background information
• review similar situations to identify known hazards and risks
• consider potential unanticipated outcomes

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Category 3: Areas of Geoscience Practice

3.1: Plan investigations based on purpose of study, incorporating existing site-specific information and appropriate approaches

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to plan investigations based on the purpose of study, incorporating existing site-specific information and appropriate approaches in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. You might consider the following types of investigations:

• geological mapping
• geophysical survey
• baseline monitoring
• geohazard assessment
• drilling program
• sampling program
• environmental site assessment
• research project

3.2: Acquire, process, and analyze data using appropriate methodologies

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to acquire, process, and analyze data using appropriate methodologies in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• use effective devices and instruments to acquire data
• apply locational tools and principles to georeferenced data
• analyze and process data using 3-D modelling software

3.3: Incorporate relevant data from other sources

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to incorporate relevant data from other sources in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• integrate historical and current data
• include local or regional information
• identify analogs

3.4: Interpret and evaluate data to construct models consistent with the purpose of investigation

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to interpret and evaluate data to construct models consistent with the purpose of investigation in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• prepare and interpret logs, sections, or maps
• prepare and interpret spreadsheets, charts, or diagrams
• apply geoscience principles to generate models

3.5: Critically evaluate models

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to critically evaluate models in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• address uncertainty and bias
• compare and contrast analogous models
• evaluate the validity of a model relative to the objectives

3.6: Formulate conclusions and recommendations

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to formulate conclusions and recommendations in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• define drilling targets
• assess site suitability and determine mitigation measures
• assess feasibility based on resource estimation
• provide alternative solutions and make recommendations

3.7: Adapt methodologies to address unfamiliar situations

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to adapt methodologies to address unfamiliar situations in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• modify mapping or sampling methodologies in unfamiliar terrain or geological settings
• adapt approaches based on stakeholder values
• integrate additional knowledge and skills to address unfamiliar situations
• develop new techniques

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Category 4: Complementary Skills

4.1: Deliver and comprehend oral communication in English

This competency is intended to demonstrate your ability to effectively communicate orally in English.

Note: This is a mandatory Canadian work environment competency. The minimum required level for this competency is 3.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• participate in a consultation or working group
• deliver a geoscience lecture or presentation
• describe a geoscience model to a client, peer, or supervisor

4.2: Deliver and comprehend written communication in English

This competency is intended to demonstrate your ability to effectively communicate in writing in English.

Note: This is a mandatory Canadian work environment competency. The minimum required level for this competency is 3.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• prepare and respond to business correspondence
• write a project report or funding proposal
• interpret and synthesize written information

4.3: Communicate technical information effectively to a variety of audiences

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to communicate technical information effectively to a variety of audiences in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• create or adapt a presentation for technical and non-technical audiences
• create or modify written material for technical and non-technical audiences
• deliver a geoscience presentation to students

4.4: Manage activities

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to manage activities in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• plan or coordinate geoscience field work
• plan or coordinate data collection or analysis
• organize a conference, workshop, or meeting

4.5: Use time-management skills

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to use time-management skills to manage your work in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• prioritize activities to meet deadlines
• use scheduling tools
• adapt a schedule to changing situations

4.6: Provide direction to others

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to provide direction to others in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• provide instructions to students
• advise team members or co-workers
• supervise the work of others

4.7: Contribute to budgetary management

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to contribute towards budgetary management in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• evaluate quotes
• estimate costs
• monitor and control expenditures

4.8: Apply basic principles of risk management

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to apply basic principles of risk management in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• review applicable risk-management standards and practices
• complete a risk assessment (pre- and post-mitigation)
• mitigate risk associated with field work
• coordinate activities to manage risk
• communicate business risks associated with geoscience interpretations

4.9: Contribute to secure data management

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to contribute to secure data management in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• use data-security software
• protect confidential information or materials
• develop or follow organizational data-management protocols

4.10: Maintain comprehensive professional records

This work example is intended to demonstrate your ability to maintain comprehensive professional records in the practice of geoscience.

Writing in first person, describe your contribution to the work in 2–3 paragraphs (max 1,800 characters). Achieving all the indicators is not necessary, but your example must demonstrate your competency in this area. For example, you might describe how you:

• file and archive field observations
• label, store, and catalogue samples
• prepare and retain business and administrative records

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